Bascinet Helmet

Approx. Period: 1300 AD
Length: 0.25m Width: 0.25m

There was much experimentation with helmet design in Medieval times. The Bascinet helmet developed the armoured cap to enclose the ears and the side of the face. The helmet was enhanced with a chain mail extension called an "aventail" laced into the loops around the lower reinforcement of the helmet.

The Bascinet is formed from sheets of beaten iron with seams at the front and rear. The loops for suspension of the aventail provide support for chain mail covering the neck and shoulders. A padded cap would be worn under the bascinet to make the wearer more comfortable.